Bristol City free-kick specialist Dave Cotterill insists there is no point in him trying to emulate Wales team-mate Gareth Bale.

The pair are set to renew their training ground acquaintance when they join forces with the Wales squad ahead of Friday’s international friendly fixture against the Republic of Ireland at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

And Cotterill is more than happy to take tips from his super-star team-mate from Real Madrid. But the Welshman reckons there is simply no point in him trying to copy what Bale does at set-piece situations.

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He explained: “You always look at what he’s doing, take into account how he is doing it and take any tips on board. But sometimes, you just have to face the fact that he has more ability and can do things with the ball that you cannot.

Wales player Gareth Bale during a Wales Open Training session ahead of their World Cup Qualifier against the Republic of Ireland at the Vale Hotel on March 21, 2017 in Cardiff, Wales. (Image: 2017 Getty Images)

“It’s ridiculous when you train with him, because of the movement he gets on the ball, especially when he is a long way from goal.

“From outside of the box, he can do anything he wants with the ball – it’s scary really. He strikes the ball with the middle of his foot and gets it to swerve. If I tried to do that, my foot would probably fall off!”

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Since arriving on loan from Birmingham on transfer deadline day in January, Cotterill has staged a series of impressive displays for City.

Certainly, his ability to deliver pin-point free kicks and corners has afforded City’s fight for Championship survival a welcome boost. But he will continue to do things his own way between now and the end of the season.

He added: “I’m always up for learning off others, but at the end of the day I have to perfect my own style and focus on the things I’m good at.”